Christian music is in its "chick rock" phase. Inspired by mainstream acts like Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls, Sixpence None the Richer has been scoring big on secular radio, while artists such as Chasing Furies and Jennifer Knapp are all the rage in the CCM ghetto. BEC is getting its piece of the chick rock pie by re-releasing Sarah Masen's independent release, The Holding.

Masen herself is not merely jumping aboard the bandwagon - the singer/songwriter has been releasing albums on Charlie Peacock's re:think label well before the chick rock craze hit. She's scored several modest CCM  radio hits, and her previous albums were acclaimed by critics and fans alike. And while she's never been the "big thing" in Christian music, she does have a fairly loyal fan base.

The Holding, produced by Derri Daughtery of The Choir, is full of stripped-back, mellow songs. Masen's songwriting is better than most:  she has a knack for marrying a thought-provoking lyric to an usual melody to create something that will attach itself to your memory. She frames her songs in halcyon acoustic guitars, keyboards and live drums.

The album as a whole makes wonderful coffee shop music, but at times is far too narcotic to hold one's interest. I personally prefer her re:think albums, but for collectors, The Holding is a must-have.

Michial Farmer  10/30/99